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Hunting, preparation and consumption of wild game may pose the risk of exposure to some infectious diseases. You should consider consulting your medical care provider if you are concerned that you have been exposed to a disease or are showing symptoms of illness. If there are any concerns that your hunting dogs or any other companion animals may have contracted a disease, please contact a veterinarian.
ZOONOTIC DISEASES: Diseases that are considered zoonotic are those shared between animals and people. Animals may spread disease, even while appearing healthy.
American Veterinary Medical Association:
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has created a general guide describing diseases that you and/or your hunting dogs may get while engaging in outdoor activities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
The CDC provides information on many diseases including zoonotic diseases.
SELECTED ZOONOTIC DISEASES: The following diseases may be encountered while you are hunting, harvesting or processing wild game. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list.
AVIAN INFLUENZA
Some wild birds may carry the influenza virus, including
some virus strains that can cause serious disease in humans.
Click on "Resources" for links providing information on avian
influenza and how to protect against infection.
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Idaho Department of Fish and Game:
Idaho State Department of Agriculture:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Selected CDC Publications:
U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center:
BRUCELLOSIS
Brucellosis is primarily a disease acquired from unpasteurized
dairy products, but may also arise from direct contact with
infected animals, their carcasses or secretions (including birthing
fluids). The bacteria can cause infections through cuts, by
inhalation, through contact with mucous membranes, or by
ingestion. Click on "Resources" for links providing information on
brucellosis and how to protect against infection.
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Idaho State Department of Agriculture:
Although Idaho's domestic cattle are considered free of brucellosis, elk and bison in eastern Idaho may carry the bacteria.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
United States Department of Agriculture:
ECHINOCOCCUS (TAPEWORM):
Echinococcus is a small tapeworm found in nature in cycles
between carnivores (such as wolf, coyote, fox, domestic dog) and
herbivores (such as elk, deer, mountain goat, sheep). Humans
may become infected with the parasite if echinococcus eggs,
found in the feces of the carnivore, are ingested either by the direct
hand-to-mouth route or incidentally by the consumption of contaminated
food or water. Click on "Resources" for links providing information
on echinococcus and how to protect against infection.
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Idaho Department of Health and Welfare:
Idaho Department of Fish and Game:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
RABIES
Rabies, a potentially fatal viral infection, is detected in bats
and rarely in other animals in Idaho every year. Humans and
animals may be at risk for infection. Click on "Resources" for
links providing information on rabies and how to protect
against infection.
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Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW):
The IDHW rabies home page provides information on rabies epidemiology in Idaho.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
The CDC rabies home page covers aspects of the virus, transmission, diagnosis, management of pets, and epidemiology.
WEST NILE VIRUS
West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne virus, may affect mammals,
birds and humans. Click on "Resources" for links providing
information on West Nile virus and how to protect people and
pets against infection.
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Idaho Department of Health and Welfare:
Idaho Department of Fish and Game:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Idaho State Department of Agriculture:
West Nile virus may infect horses. The following link describes equine risks for infection and ways to protect against infection.
FOOD SAFETY
Familiarity with food safety procedures can help prevent
infection during all stages of preparation, from field dressing
wild game to cooking and storage. Click on "Resources" for
information on the safe preparation of food.
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Practical food safety for hunters includes:
• Do not handle or butcher game animals that are obviously sick or found dead
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning game
• Wear rubber gloves and washable clothing when cleaning game
• Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling game
• Wash tools and work surfaces with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10% solution of bleach
• Cook game meat thoroughly:
- birds should reach an internal temperature of 165°F
- wild game meat: 155°F
- wild pork: 160°F
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
WATERBORNE ILLNESS
Drinking from unclean water sources, such as lakes and
streams or unfiltered water may lead to illness. Click on
"Resources" for links providing information on waterborne
illness and how to protect against infection.
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Idaho Department of Health and Welfare:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
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